Cleaning Windows Without Smudges. We'll Prepare the Cleaning Solution for You

Spring is the perfect time to focus on window cleaning so that the first rays of sunshine can peacefully enter your apartment and warm it with their heat. The main issue when washing window glass is ensuring no smudges are left behind. There are several ways to achieve spotless windows.

How to Prepare the Cleaning Solution

It's actually possible to clean windows thoroughly with plain water, but it needs to be changed a few times. Traditional grandmother's methods — make a soap solution (wood shavings from household soap + warm water), a solution of ammonia or vinegar (one tablespoon per liter of water) or potassium permanganate solution (just one drop or a couple of crystals to make the water pink). For those who prefer modern household chemicals, you can recommend dishwashing detergents (apply directly to a sponge) or special liquids and aerosols for glass cleaning.

Soap solution is better suited for wooden frames, as plastic may yellow over time. Avoid cleaning windows with baking soda or other abrasive agents that can scratch the glass.

How to Apply Cleaning Solution to Windows

This should be done with a sponge or scrub brush of moderate moisture. If the window is very dirty, remove the first batch of solution quickly (it only dissolves dirt) and then apply the next portion. If your cleaning product doesn’t require rinsing, simply wipe the window with a linen cloth or microfiber cloth: they absorb moisture well and leave no fibers on the glass. When using a soap solution, you’ll need to rinse the entire window once more with clean water.

Pay special attention to areas where glass touches the frame: these spots collect the most dirt. Pass a cloth over the entire perimeter of the window a few times.

How to Clean Glass Without Smudges

First, don’t start cleaning on a sunny day and at a time when direct sunlight hits the glass. The sun quickly evaporates cleaning solutions, which causes smudges. Wait for a cloudy, windless day.

Second, don’t overlook the tried-and-true method — polishing glass with newspapers. The effect is visible immediately, and no smudges remain from newspaper ink. You can also lightly mist the newspaper with a window cleaning solution based on alcohol.

Window Cleaning Using a Squeegee

This small tool is a real lifesaver for housewives who dislike the hassle of cloths and newspapers. It works on the same principle as an automotive wiper, is inexpensive, and can be found in any hardware store or supermarket. Squeegees also come with long adjustable handles, which is convenient for cleaning hard-to-reach parts of the window (e.g., the street side).

Proper use of the squeegee is as follows. The first portion of cleaning solution applied to the window should be squeegeed from top to bottom. Then position the squeegee vertically (parallel to the side frame) at an angle of 20–30 degrees to the glass and move it horizontally. Each subsequent pass should overlap the previous one by a few centimeters to ensure no areas are missed. The liquid is squeegeed toward the side and runs down; excess can be wiped away with a cloth or sponge.

After a couple of passes, wipe the squeegee dry with a cloth to remove water and residue. Once all the glass has been treated, you can go over it once more with a dry cloth for a truly dazzling result!